Spotting during the pandemic

[MiG_Eater]

Please remove if inappropriate, but i'm sure that i'm not the only one wondering...

With the PM's speech announcing 'unlimited' exercise and permission to spend time in outdoor public spaces - where does this leave us with spotting at bases? I'm guessing that as long as social distancing is maintained at all times its a perfectly legitimate activity.

Would be good to hear others thoughts - and maybe establish some more 'fence etiquette'.

Hope to see some of you (from at least 2 metres!) over the next few weeks perhaps.

[plmc135]

I think you will find that the vital word is "exercise". Going to an airfield and sitting watching aircraft most certainly would not fulfil that criteria. So don't go and be sensible; a life is far more important than an aeroplane.

[Blackcat1]

I've been to the Loop many times since lockdown!!l virtually of course in Flight Simulator

[MiG_Eater]

I think you will find that the vital word is "exercise". Going to an airfield and sitting watching aircraft most certainly would not fulfil that criteria. So don't go and be sensible; a life is far more important than an aeroplane.

It was explicit in the announcement that you can sit in a park and sunbathe for as long as you want- so i'm wondering what difference it makes whether you do that in a public park or at the end of the runway. As long as you're social distancing the level of risk really is minimal.

[Tally-ho]

1. 'Stay at home' has now become 'Be Alert' - leaving home was never illegal per sé.
2. Travelling to somewhere by car is now acceptable, indeed going back to work is encouraged.
3. Picking up the Chinese virus in your airconditioned supermarket is far more possible than standing at a fence or wherever out in the fresh air.
4. Social distancing remains the watchword.

In short - I cannot see a problem standing at a fence with six foot between people.

[Pen Pusher]

So, what are the current rules?

What is a 'reasonable excuse' to go out?
The UK government says people should go out as little as possible and only leave home if they have a "reasonable excuse". This includes:

Exercise - alone, or with members of your household
Shopping for basic necessities
Any medical need, or providing care for a vulnerable person
Travel to or from work, but only when you cannot work from home
What are the rules on exercise?
If you have to go outside stay more than 2m (6ft) apart from anyone other than members of your household. This is called social distancing.

In Scotland and Wales people can exercise more than once a day from Monday 11 May. In Wales they must start and finish exercise from home
People in England and Northern Ireland are asked to exercise once, although there is no legal ban
Government guidance urges people to "stay local" and use open spaces near home
However, National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) guidelines for England say driving to the countryside to walk is likely to be a reasonable excuse if far more time is spent walking than driving. In Northern Ireland you can drive to a safe space for exercise
The UK government hasn't set formal time limits for exercise.
You are allowed to stop for a break, but short periods of exercise followed by long periods of inactivity are not permitted (so sunbathing is not allowed)
Dogs can be walked as part of a person's daily exercise

BBC Web Site.

Brian

[Tally-ho]

@Pen Pusher
You obviously did not listen to the Prime Minister's latest speech tonight.

[James Cutting]

Basically, no. Spotting is still not acceptable. You can ONLY go out for reasonable excuses. Exercise with your household or by yourself. Basic necessities from the shops. Medical supplies.

Spotting is NOT essential. It is not exercise. So end of story, really.

Maybe if BoJo was clearer we would know. But use your noggin, and stay at home.

[Pen Pusher]

@Pen Pusher
You obviously did not listen to the Prime Minister's latest speech tonight.

Nope but the information I was quoting was updated after his speech. Posted 22 minutes ago it said under the headline.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51506729

Brian

[Unknown74]

If your lucky enough to actually live near an Airport or Airfield and in good view of the approach or departure route from/ to said Aerodrome then you don't have a problem just grab a chair and if your garden or back/ room in house faces in the right direction then sit back and watch the Aircraft.

[podge]

Plane spotting = exercise? That’s a new one to me. If that’s people’s attitude then it might be why there’s an obesity problem in this country.

Also if you watched Boris’s speech then you will of heard him mention the fine for breaking the rules will be increased, so crack on and good luck.

[Ghastly Whisper]

We will have a second wave in due course, thousands of people will now think they are free to do as they please, the stupid, the ignorant, the ones that think they are amune. Just asking for trouble.

[James Cutting]

Couldn't agree any more!! Many are failing to see that, well put.

[baz1]

some people just cant be educated ??

[slogen51]

I think if you are of a certain age then getting out and standing up spotting is a form of exercise, Podge!

But my interpretation was that individual past times such as fishing are allowed from Wednesday ( edited for Wednesday)

[podge]

Google the meaning of exercise.

[slogen51]

I have a dictionary

Have you tried the single limb stance Podge? Good if you have restricted mobility.

But you can enjoy parks etc without exercising from Wednesday 13/4

[podge]

You are correct there and I’ve just noticed it says you can drive to other destinations. It’s still not exercise though.

[slogen51]

Hi

I don't want to argue and I get the point you are making but actually for me spotting provides quite a bit of exercise , maybe I ain't doing it right!

I am not suggesting that people ( yet) drive hundreds of miles to go spotting but spotting responsibly under the rules gets you out of the house , gives the missus a well deserved break from you etc.

All you can do is go by the guide lines - I do however think it is too early for commuting into London on the Waterloo line for example.

[podge]

I’m not looking for an argument either, it’s very mixed messages from the government.

I get what you are saying and pretty much agree with you.

It’s very confusing but I think common sense is still to stay at home unless necessary.